Page 43 of Duke in Shining Armor
Her brother frowned. “True. But do not forget that his mother, to all intents and purposes, presented you at her ball. Furthermore, a dinner party is a cozy event, which came quickly on the back of the ball. This bodes well.”
“I remain buoyant but do not wish to read too much into this gesture.” She felt a sense of guilt at giving Edward this false hope.
“Hmm. Let us see how the evening develops. It is likely to be for our betterment.”
“Mama will extend an invitation to our ball while we are there. She wanted to personally inform the duchess.”
“A lovely thought, all things considering.”
Catherine fell silent. She thought of how different things were for her, as opposed to Edward. It was most certainly not fair. She recognized her parents had indulged her somewhat, for she had taken lessons with Edward and understood much of the duties of running an estate. Most ladies in society had no knowledge of this, and while some were happy to knit and gossip, she was sure there were others like herself. They knew they were destined to do more, but they were not allowed to. Furthermore, in most cases genteel ladies did not choose a husband. Sadly, marriages in society were more of a contract arranged between parents.
Catherine was in a unique position, having spent time alone with James before they shared an intimacy. She had broken the rules and gotten away with it, but the more she thought about it, she could not fathom lovemaking on her wedding night with a gentleman she did not like. She imagined other ladies were terrified by the very idea. At least she knew she had feelings for James, and she had enjoyed their lovemaking. She hoped this would not be the only pleasant experience in her life. It was on that very note that the carriage arrived at their destination. Catherine wondered what the night would hold.
After spending a few minutes in the receiving line, they were ushered into the drawing room where they greeted the duchess and James. There was one other family present, and the duchess introduced them as the Earl of Wentworth, his wife, and daughter. They exchanged polite niceties until the duchess announced dinner would be served in the dining room. It was then that the duke appeared to take her hand to escort her there. He led her to her chair, and she observed she was seated beside him.
The Lady Jane cast her mother a knowing glance while the earl looked away as if he did not notice. Catherine knew that she would be gossip fodder on their return journey. Perhaps, by escorting her, James had gone too far this time.
The table was elegantly covered with white linens, decorated with fresh flowers and antique candelabras. The china was delicate and dainty, and as Catherine took it all in, she recognized much effort was placed into hosting the dinner party. The duchess bid everyone be seated, and James pulled out Catherine’s chair so she could be seated. He was being very attentive this night, and she flushed.
Well, that was before Lady Jane Buckingham, the daughter of the Earl Wentworth sat across from James. It was only then that Catherine noticed how low the bodice of her pale-yellow gown was cut, and Lady Jane had a rather voluptuous figure.
James captured Catherine’s attention when he asked after her welfare.
“I trust you are well, Lady Catherine.”
“I am, Your Grace. And how do you fare?”
“Quite well, now that I am in present company,” he replied with a wide smile.
Catherine dipped her head to hide her smile. The jealous sting inside her heart had been effortlessly soothed.Oh, why am I falling back under his spell so easily?She realized with a sense of shock that it was because she believed he had told the truth about his plans to marry her back then.
The first course of soup arrived, and they started to dine. The other guests engaged in pleasant conversation of no great consequence.
“Do you miss anything about Switzerland?” James asked.
Catherine glanced at James, for she was surprised he thought to ask her.
“It is kind of you to ask, Your Grace. I met other like-minded ladies there, and we formed an attachment. I do miss them, but we share discourses through letters. I hope one day to be permitted to tour some of Europe.”
“I am sure those attachments provided you with some comfort and peace, thus relieving your loneliness and isolation while you were away from your family and home,” James said with kindness.
Catherine understood he was making an effort to show tenderness and compassion. She felt too pleased.
“Switzerland, did you say, Your Grace. I have always wanted to visit there,” Lady Jane said from across the table with an exaggerated sigh.
Who asked you? Catherine thought as she swore the sigh made Lady Jane’s chest heave even more, as if it fought for space within her gown.
“Lady Catherine was fortunate enough to attend finishing school in Switzerland, and she has regaled me with some of her stories,” James responded.
“Have you been to Switzerland, Your Grace?” Lady Jane asked.
Catherine wondered if she was doltish. What possible business could James have in Switzerland? Catherine realized she was being unreasonable, for James could have travelled there for leisure.
“No, Lady Jane. I have not had the pleasure.”
Catherine decided to steer the conversation back to her. “When was the last time you travelled abroad, Your Grace.”
“I am afraid that it has been some time, Lady Catherine. I travelled to Scotland with Lord Warwick to attend to some business a few years past. I am afraid I have been preoccupied with matters of the estate since my father passed.”
